CarMax, Inc. (KMX) vs LKQ Corporation (LKQ)

LKQ leads on 11 of 14 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CarMax, Inc. and LKQ Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 28, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — KMX vs LKQ

growth of $100 · last 23y
KMX +198.2%LKQ +1337.8%LKQ compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $10020072011201520192023$298$1,438
KMX LKQ

KMX vs LKQ: by the numbers

  • KMX is the larger company ($7.49B vs $6.89B market cap).
  • LKQ trades at the lower earnings multiple (13.45 vs 32.77 P/E).
  • LKQ converts more revenue to profit (3.71% vs 0.84% net margin).
  • LKQ grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.37% vs 2.39% CAGR).
  • LKQ pays a dividend (4.44% yield) while KMX does not currently pay one.

Which is better, KMX or LKQ?

Metric tally: KMX 3 · LKQ 11

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueLKQ(lower P/E)
GrowthLKQ(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityLKQ(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricKMXLKQ
P/E ratio32.7713.45
Forward P/E19.589.10
P/S ratio0.280.50
P/B ratio1.231.07
PEG ratio5.90
EV / EBITDA8.31
FCF yield13.26%11.68%

Profitability

MetricKMXLKQ
Gross margin10.24%37.68%
Operating margin-1.85%7.30%
Net margin0.84%3.71%
ROE3.64%8.00%
ROIC-1.10%6.60%

Dividends

MetricKMXLKQ
Dividend yield4.44%
Payout ratio51.06%

Growth (annualized)

MetricKMXLKQ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.39%3.37%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-18.18%2.28%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.85%-12.79%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-16.16%-9.21%

Frequently asked

Which is better, KMX or LKQ?
It depends on your goal. value: LKQ (lower P/E); growth: LKQ (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: LKQ (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, LKQ leads 11 to 3.
Is KMX or LKQ cheaper?
On trailing earnings, LKQ is cheaper: KMX trades at a 32.77 P/E and LKQ at 13.45.
Which has grown faster, KMX or LKQ?
Over the past five years, LKQ grew revenue faster — KMX at a 2.39% CAGR versus LKQ at 3.37%.
Does KMX or LKQ pay a bigger dividend?
LKQ pays a dividend (4.44% yield) while KMX does not currently pay one.
Is KMX or LKQ more profitable?
LKQ runs the higher net margin — KMX at 0.84% versus LKQ at 3.71%.
Which has been the better investment, KMX or LKQ?
Over the past 10-year, KMX delivered the higher annualized total return — KMX at 1.31% versus LKQ at -0.09%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 28, 2026.